further the development of each student’s design skills through analytical exercises

practice the process of design which requires the successful integration of a wide range of human and environmental concerns

discuss systematic approaches to analyzing, understanding and solving design problems

expand upon the fundamental design skills and the use of natural/formal ordering systems and spatial concepts explored in previous design studios and coursework

address the physical environment and ways in which that environment may be improved in the realms of social and environmental sustainability

build in complexity and expectations as the semester progresses

expose students to various scales (room, street, city) and contexts as part of the range of possibilities for continuing studies and careers in design demonstrate that the essential issues, concepts and types of solutions apply to all designs at any scale

stress that design solutions must be considered within a larger context and be designed in response to that context

respond and assess diverse architectural and interior programs and space requirements, identify and give hierarchy to a spectrum of user needs understand the need to reconcile the needs of the client/owner with users, the public and other community/social interests; apply basic understanding of designer’s ethical, legal, community and social responsibilities to the design solution explore the relationship between human behavior, the natural environment and the design of the built environment

analyze and respond to site characteristics such as topography, vegetation, sun, wind, daylight, sound, existing structures, existing uses and other features of the built environment; apply basic site and zoning regulations to the design solution optimize, conserve and reuse natural and built resources in a sustainable design approach, create healthful environments for users

apply basic passive and low energy design concepts to build understanding of the sustainable design principles and strategies required to achieve energy-efficiency, carbon-neutral design, bioclimatic design and regenerative design at a variety of scales

apply concepts of universal and accessible design and life safety systems with an emphasis on egress; apply basic code requirements in these areas

apply fundamental concepts of building structural, material systems, furnishings and equipment; introduction to construction detailing

design thinking skills including the use of abstract ideas, diverse points of view, well-reasoned conclusions

the ability to measure success relative to criteria and standards

communication skills through reading, writing, speaking and active listening formats

investigative skills in finding and applying relevant information as part of the design process, including technical material and construction information research skills including the analysis and use of design precedents drawn from a range of traditional and contemporary, local and global sources

your process of comprehensive architectural/interior design: practicing the ability to make design decisions across scales while integrating critical and design thinking, technical skills and knowledge while using representation and communication skills collaboration skills – significant aspects of the design process will be structured as collaborative activities that will require interpersonal skills, time management and personal responsibility that will benefit student teams or the studio as a whole